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      10-12-2012, 06:15 PM   #1
JamesMA
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Coding the steering

So. Since the steering is electric anyway and obviously computer controlled in some fashion, like when you switch between modes, is there any reason why the steering can't be "coded" to be stiffer.

Just a thought?
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      10-15-2012, 01:29 PM   #2
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Well I haven't found anything yet.
I was thinking exactly the same!
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      10-18-2012, 09:10 PM   #3
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Well, let's start with this, does the computer control the stiffness of the steering or not?
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      10-20-2012, 08:02 PM   #4
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It does control as steering gets stiffer in sport+ and when in sport manual mode.

It would be great if we make it stiffer in comfort mode as it is too soft for me..
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      10-21-2012, 03:26 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by InTheDarkster
It does control as steering gets stiffer in sport+ and when in sport manual mode.

It would be great if we make it stiffer in comfort mode as it is too soft for me..
Can anyone confirm that the steering DOES change between the different Drive Mode settings on a STANDARD car without the Variable or Sport steering options?
I can feel a marked difference (I don't have either steering option) but have never seen it written anywhere.

What are the mechanical differences for the optional Variable Steering and also Sport Steering?
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      10-22-2012, 06:13 AM   #6
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I'm lead to believe that the steering only changes in Sport+ ( I can ofc be wrong, this assumption is only based on reading on this forum and bimmerfest forums)

And you only get the sport + on versions that include sport steering?
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      10-23-2012, 01:19 PM   #7
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I checked this on my way in today in a sport line, with nothing mentioned on the build related to steering.

sport, sport+ both provide the heavier steering, manual shifting does not seem to matter in my car.
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      10-23-2012, 09:13 PM   #8
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And that is why I am wondering if it is possibly to 1) make the comfort steering the same as sport / sport plus and then make sport and sport plus about 20% stiffer or so?
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      12-11-2012, 02:28 AM   #9
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Activating dtc or disabling it all will also result in heavier steering.
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      07-29-2013, 02:12 PM   #10
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I can confirm that the steering gives better feedback in sport mode on my 328i. I would love to be able to program that in as normal when driving in comfort or eco-pro modes. I seldom use sport mode, since I don't need to keep the engine RPMs high for instant high power, and prefer better fuel economy. The sport steering feel definitely feels like an improvement to me.
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      07-31-2013, 06:01 AM   #11
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same here, we NEED to be able to do this!
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      07-31-2013, 08:39 AM   #12
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Sport steering and suspension coupled with comfort mode throttle response would be perfect!

Is there anyway to access the computer that controls driving mode when connected to the vehicle with an ENET cable?
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      07-31-2013, 08:56 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cup o' Joe View Post
Sport steering and suspension coupled with comfort mode throttle response would be perfect!

Is there anyway to access the computer that controls driving mode when connected to the vehicle with an ENET cable?
You can change settings on a great number of the ECUs (all of them?), but the settings are very cryptic, there are a large number of them many of which aren't applicable to the car's hardware and configuration, are mostly derived from german words (when they are actually "words") and it's not safe to just go randomly changing things willy-nilly.

You can play around if you want but it is possible to brick your car (or worse, I suppose).

Last edited by JesseS; 07-31-2013 at 09:04 AM..
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      07-31-2013, 09:18 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JesseS View Post
You can change settings on a great number of the ECUs (all of them?), but the settings are very cryptic, there are a large number of them many of which aren't applicable to the car's hardware and configuration, are mostly derived from german words (when they are actually "words") and it's not safe to just go randomly changing things willy-nilly.

You can play around if you want but it is possible to brick your car (or worse, I suppose).
I dont have an ENET cable or software, but would be interested in looking into this.
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      07-31-2013, 10:15 AM   #15
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I might see if I have time to look through my ncd files tonight and see if I can find anything. Speaking German would have been useful, but sadly I don't lol.

I would be especially interested in speed variable assistance in the steering.
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      07-31-2013, 02:24 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dinonz View Post
I might see if I have time to look through my ncd files tonight and see if I can find anything. Speaking German would have been useful, but sadly I don't lol.

I would be especially interested in speed variable assistance in the steering.
I believe speed variable assist is different hardware included in the DHP. My goal would basically to be coding sport steering and sport suspension settings into comfort mode. If I have the time, I would even toy with the idea of making my own settings.

Would you be able to send me a copy of the ncd file if I pm you my email?
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      07-31-2013, 02:34 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cup o' Joe View Post
I believe speed variable assist is different hardware included in the DHP. My goal would basically to be coding sport steering and sport suspension settings into comfort mode. If I have the time, I would even toy with the idea of making my own settings.

Would you be able to send me a copy of the ncd file if I pm you my email?
Yeah - I have DHP. I'd want sport steering but not sport suspension in comfort mode (I occasionally transport elderly people so prefer it a bit softer), but if I could make it even firmer I would be happy.

I can probably send you the NCD file but I'm not sure which one it is yet - I'll have to boot the MacBook into Windows and use the Editors to view the various files. Don't even know which one would have steering settings in it?
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      08-07-2013, 04:59 AM   #18
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Since I'm German I will try to find something as soon as my cable arrives and I get the software running

If anyone needs a translation just send a pm
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      08-07-2013, 05:53 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dirksterzel View Post
Since I'm German I will try to find something as soon as my cable arrives and I get the software running

If anyone needs a translation just send a pm
Thanks. There are many of us here who will be grateful for your research! That is the one complaint I've had since getting my car. I want firmer steering, but without the added fuel consumption of the Sport mode.
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      08-08-2013, 04:42 AM   #20
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I think I answered my own question last night. After coding Macro_fds to the value popup_and_config, I have the option to configure the Sport mode to include chassis and/or powertrain settings. When I select chassis only, the steering is set to the stiffer Sport mode but the throttle response and transmission behavior remain in the Comfort settings. This is great for highway driving where I want to be in 8th gear and have less float to the steering.
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      08-08-2013, 08:41 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dirksterzel View Post
Since I'm German I will try to find something as soon as my cable arrives and I get the software running

If anyone needs a translation just send a pm
Heh - I want to know what every single option in there does

I have a friend who speaks German. One day I might sit with him and see just how much of it is readable to him, and see if he and I can work out a few things.

Sadly, I tried the "read files offline" trick and it failed. I need to check again that I was doing it right. Otherwise, sitting with him in the Texas heat with the laptop plugged into the car won't be fun.
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      08-08-2013, 09:57 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dinonz View Post
Heh - I want to know what every single option in there does
Sadly the entries are not always complete words but often some codes that probably only the BMW engineer who invented them understands
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